Spec's Records & Tapes Demolished to Make Space for a Chase Bank

"Specs," a note posted to the recently closed Coral Gables music shop's front door read. "A piece of Miami, a piece of history, never to be forgotten, nor replaced! Especially by some lousy bank."

Consider that Spec's Records & Tapes' epitaph. Because the Dade County landmark -- a 64-year-old purveyor of music on vinyl, audiocassette, and CD -- has been demolished, as reported by the Miami Herald, to clear the lot at 1570 S. Dixie Highway for a new Chase Bank.

Founded by the now-deceased Martin Spector in 1948 (and moved to its longtime location in 1953), the Coral Gables store was the flagship of a Spec's chain that eventually grew to include dozens of locations across Florida.

By the late '80s, Spec's had gone public. It expanded to 42 stores. And the chain was even earning accolades from Forbes Magazine, being named among America's 200 best-run small companies in 1988.

Just ten years later, though, laboring after financial hits from Hurricane Andrew and languishing under fierce competitive pressure from other music superstore chains, Spector and company decided to get out of the "Records & Tapes" business.

If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.

Powered by SailThru

We use cookies to collect and analyze information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and customize content and advertisements. By clicking 'X' or continuing to use the site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. To find out more, visit our cookies policy and our privacy policy.